Notes for remarks by
Rt. Hon. Perry Christie MP
Prime Minister & Minister of Finance 

Renaming of Fox Hill National Insurance Building
In Honour of the late George Mackey 

Thursday, 29^th March, 2007 

Salutations… my fellow Bahamians, people of the historic village of Fox Hill… 

It is a privilege to participate in this ceremony in which we bestow a posthumous honour upon a truly distinguished and deserving Bahamian son by the renaming of this building.  

It is also of great significance that we are gathered here today in the historic community of Fox Hill. 

Yours is a village of people descended – in the main – from those freed from the inhuman bonds of slavery beginning some two hundred years ago this week. 

The late George Mackey often said that he would devote his life to removing the stigma that was long ago associated with Fox Hill as being ‘behind God’s back’ or simply in the back of the bush.   

As we rename this impressive building, which serves as the district office of the National Insurance Board; here we are amongst what is every day becoming more and more of a modern town centre of the modern town of Fox Hill. 

I think that we can say that George Mackey’s dream of a Fox Hill proud and equal is a reality being demonstrated more each day. 

During the past years or two, we have participated in similar ceremonies.   

The renaming of two health centers as the Lydia King-Rolle Health Center and the Miriam Greene Health Center was welcomed by residents on the Family Islands of Exuma and Andros respectively.   

It should be noted that both primary health care centers were constructed by the National Insurance Board several years earlier.   

Indeed, the National Insurance Board must be congratulated for its involvement in the national community. 

The Board performs far beyond the already vital tasks which it is mandated to carry out. 

Most recently, we renamed the Nassau International Airport as the Lynden Pindling International Airport, and the corporate offices of the National Insurance Board at Jumbey Village as the Sir Clifford Darling Complex. 

It is the intention today that the George Mackey National Insurance Fox Hill Headquarters will remind us of his role as Minister of National Insurance and also remind us of the outstanding service that George Mackey has given to this country and to this community. 

Mr. Mackey dearly loved Fox Hill and was a tireless champion in the campaign to make the centre of this village a modern town centre.   

In fact, he sought to ensure the continuation of his work.

By his personal choice of Hon. Fred Mitchell as his successor George Mackey saw to it that the case for Fox Hill and your community’s influence in national affairs continues to be made with energy. 

Today, I can say with pride that the renaming of this building and its valuable function within the community will preserve the memory of the late George Mackey for many years from now; not only for those who knew him fondly as ‘Beloved’ but for generations yet to come. 

At every opportunity, I encourage ordinary and publicly distinguished Bahamians alike; to tell their stories.   

For those who are already gone, we who remain must tell the stories.  They are our history.  And we cannot forget.  We must not forget.  Because each day is history in the making.  And each Bahamian who makes a mighty contribution to our nation is a vital part of our story. 

Today, we go a long way to telling the story of George Mackey in a way that will be remembered for posterity. 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

These renaming events have all brought focused attention to the many contributions of those Bahamians so honoured.   

Today’s ceremony will serve as a reminder to the younger generations of yet another notable individual. 

George Mackey has left a shining example through his work in the national interest and his efforts to make this community a better place in which to live.   

His story of courage and service conveys a powerful message for positive action to the youth of the nation.   

When young Bahamians are taught about the experiences of men like George Mackey they will also learn the value of determination. 

They will learn the value of good citizenship. 

On behalf of a grateful nation, I offer my sincere thanks to the family of the late George Mackey for his service given in the building of our nation and his legacy which will enrich our history in the generations ahead.

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